Australian Medical Association (NSW), Media Release, 2 December 2022
The first of December marks the start of summer, as well as onset of snake season. As temperatures rise, AMA (NSW) is warning residents to look out for venomous snakes and refresh your knowledge of snake bite first aid.
“Encountering one of Australia’s deadliest reptiles whilst on a bush walk, or even in your own home or backyard can be frightening,” said AMA (NSW) President, Dr Michael Bonning.
“Although snakes don’t go out of their way to harm humans, if frightened they can strike so it’s important to know what to do in these instances.”
The warning comes as La Nina continues to cause wet and humid weather conditions around the State, which is forcing snakes to leave their natural habitats and search for drier areas. This means your home could be hot property.
“Little things like shutting your windows and fly screen doors, keeping your lawn well mowed and maintained, and avoid piling on tin sheets or wood in your yard, can reduce the risk of a snakes becoming your house mates,” Dr Bonning said.
“Signs of a snake bite are not always visible, and some cases you may not even feel the bite occur. It’s crucial to treat all known or suspected snake bites as potentially life-threatening, regardless of whether you know if the snake was venomous or not.”
Signs and symptoms of a snake bite can depend on the type of snake. According to St John Ambulance Australia symptoms to look out for include immediate or delayed pain on bite site, swelling, bruising or bleeding, swollen and tender glands, faintness, nausea and vomiting, headache, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, difficulty speaking or swallowing, limb weakness or paralysis, dark urine, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.
The first thing to do when you’re aware of the snake bite is to follow DRSABCD: Check for danger and that the snake is no longer in sight, check the victim is responding, send for help, check the victim’s airway, check they’re breathing, do CPR if required, then defibrillate.
“Once you follow DRSABCD, immediately call 000,” Dr Bonning said.
“Time is critical when it comes to venomous bites. Whilst you wait for an ambulance, lie down and keep the victim as calm and still as possible. If you have a first aid kit handy, apply an elasticised roller bandage over the bite wound – if you don’t have one, a flannel or t-shirt will do the job too.
“Then apply another elasticised roller bandage (or flannel) firmly over the bitten limb, starting from the fingers or toes and moving upwards. This should be as tight as possible and you should be unable to get any fingers under there,” Dr Bonning said.
The next step is to immobilise the bandaged limb by using splints. If you don’t have a first aid kit handy, large sticks can do the job too.
“If you’re alone when you get bitten, follow these steps but remain calm and still. Don’t move at all, call for help, and apply pressure immediately,” Dr Bonning said.
St John Ambulance Australia states that it’s important to note down the time the bite occurred and to not wash the venom off the skin or clothes because it can assist with identification of the snake.
Snakes only bite when they’re startled or feel threatened. If you come across a snake, it’s important to leave it alone. If it’s in your home, steer clear and call your local wildlife services or snake catchers to remove the snake.
AMA (NSW) reminds residents that having a first aid kit in your home and/or car is a necessity. Having the correct equipment and guides can make assisting medical emergencies like snake bites a lot easier.
For more information about first aid training and how manage a snake bite, please visit these websites: https://stjohn.org.au/; Fact sheets.
